New Mexico Gov. Johnson retains post

Democrats felt they had an opportunity in the race early on, but those hopes did not pan out Tuesday. Johnson won four years ago with just 50 percent of the vote, because a strong Green Party candidate captured 10 percent of the vote.

But there was no Green nominee this year, and Johnson, a former businessman, is not known as an adept politician.

Martin Chavez

Johnson and Chavez disagreed over concealed weapons, with the governor favoring the right of citizens to carry concealed, loaded weapons if they have passed a weapons safety course. Chavez opposed such a right.

Both candidates talked about economic development and jobs creation, with the governor calling for lower taxes and Chavez emphasizing education.